The term "momentary" refers to something that is brief or fleeting, lasting only for a short period of time. In the context of the Bible, this concept is often used to contrast the temporary nature of earthly experiences with the eternal nature of spiritual realities. The Scriptures frequently remind believers of the transient nature of life and the importance of focusing on eternal truths.

Biblical References:

1. 2 Corinthians 4:17 : "For our light and momentary affliction is producing for us an eternal glory that is far beyond comparison." This verse highlights the temporary nature of earthly suffering in contrast to the eternal glory that awaits believers. The Apostle Paul encourages Christians to endure hardships with the perspective that these trials are brief and serve a greater purpose in God's eternal plan.

2. James 4:14 : "You do not even know what will happen tomorrow! What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes." James uses the metaphor of a mist to describe the fleeting nature of human life. This imagery serves as a reminder of the brevity of our existence and the importance of living with an eternal perspective.

3. Psalm 39:5 : "Behold, You have made my days a few handbreadths, and my lifetime is as nothing before You. Truly each man at his best exists as but a breath." The psalmist reflects on the shortness of life, emphasizing that even the best of human achievements are momentary when compared to God's eternal nature.

4. 1 Peter 1:24-25 : "For, 'All flesh is like grass, and all its glory like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord stands forever.'" Peter quotes Isaiah to illustrate the temporary nature of human life and accomplishments, contrasting them with the enduring word of God.

Theological Implications:

The concept of momentariness in the Bible serves as a call to prioritize spiritual over temporal concerns. Believers are encouraged to focus on the eternal promises of God rather than the fleeting pleasures and trials of this world. This perspective fosters a sense of hope and perseverance, as Christians are reminded that their current struggles are temporary and that their ultimate reward is eternal.

Practical Applications:

1. Perspective on Suffering: Understanding that afflictions are momentary can provide comfort and strength during difficult times. Believers are encouraged to view their trials as opportunities for spiritual growth and as part of God's greater plan.

2. Prioritizing Eternal Values: Recognizing the fleeting nature of life should motivate Christians to invest in what is eternal, such as their relationship with God, the pursuit of holiness, and the sharing of the Gospel.

3. Living with Urgency: The brevity of life calls for an urgency in fulfilling God's purposes. Believers are urged to make the most of their time, knowing that their opportunities to serve and witness are limited.

In summary, the biblical concept of momentariness serves as a powerful reminder of the transient nature of earthly life and the enduring significance of spiritual realities. Through this lens, believers are encouraged to live with an eternal perspective, finding hope and purpose in the promises of God.(a.) Done in a moment; lasting a very short time; as, a momentary pang.3910. parautika -- immediately, for a moment
... Word Origin from parauta (immediately) Definition immediately, for a moment
NASB Word Usage momentary (1). immediately, but for a moment. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3910.htm - 6k5704. ad -- as far as, even to, up to, until, while
... far* (1), forever* (66), forevermore* (1), here* (2), how many* (2), including
(1), like (2), little while* (1), long (23), long* (25), momentary* (1), never ...
/hebrew/5704.htm - 7k

7281. rega -- a moment
... Word Origin from raga Definition a moment NASB Word Usage instant (1), instantly
(2), moment (14), momentary* (1), suddenly (3), while (1). ...
/hebrew/7281.htm - 6k

Bread and Gravel
... We are tempted to think that a deed done is done with, and to grasp at
momentary pleasure, and ignore its abiding consequences. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/bread and gravel.htm

Christ's Lament Over Our Faithlessness
... rate, it does strike one as remarkable that the only occasion on which there came
from His lips anything that sounded like impatience and a momentary flash of ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture d/christs lament over our faithlessness.htm

Christ's Distinction Between the Material Element of Miracles and ...
... Christ himself distinguishes the material part of the miracle, ie, its effect in
satisfying a momentary want, and its formal part, as a sign to point from ...
/.../section 94 christs distinction between.htm

A Death in the Desert
... It was a momentary wavering in a hundred and twenty years of obedience. ... Nor are we
to regard that momentary lapse only from the outside and the surface. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/a death in the desert.htm

On Reading.
... Indeed to represent in lively colors the terrible effects of the passions, and the
fatal consequences that a momentary excitement might entail is not of a ...
/.../sainte-foi/serious hours of a young lady/chapter xxi on reading.htm

Peter Alone with Jesus
... As I have said, the momentary impulse to the cowardly crime passed, and left a melted
heart, true penitence, and profound sorrow. One sad day slowly wore away. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/peter alone with jesus.htm

Of Meditating on the Future Life.
... Blindness of the human judgment. Our philosophizing on the vanity of life only of
momentary influence. ... But, at the best, our philosophy is momentary. ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 9 of meditating on.htm

A vision of the Last Day
... as one shuddering glance into a whirlpool suffices to reveal in thought rapid as
lightning, the entire unfathomable depth; just as in one momentary glance at ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/a vision of the last.htm

Lights and Shadows.
... But a momentary feeling of unbelief (shall we say, of reproach and upbraiding?)
mingled with better emotions. ... But the momentary cloud has passed. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/macduff/memories of bethany/vii lights and shadows.htm

Jonathan, the Pattern of Friendship
... Saul's strange subjugation to the hallowing influences of the prophet's presence
had been but momentary and superficial; and it had been followed by a renewed ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/jonathan the pattern of friendship.htm

Momentary (3 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (a.) Done in a moment; lasting a very short time; as,
a momentary pang. Multi-Version Concordance Momentary (3 Occurrences). ...
/m/momentary.htm - 7k

Flash (19 Occurrences)
... 2. (vi) To break forth, as a sudden flood of light; to burst instantly and brightly
on the sight; to show a momentary brilliancy; to come or pass like a flash. ...
/f/flash.htm - 13k

Impulse (18 Occurrences)
... suddenly, or immediately. 2. (n.) The effect of an impelling force; motion
produced by a sudden or momentary force. 3. (n.) The ...
/i/impulse.htm - 12k

Moment (71 Occurrences)
... (DBY RSV). Proverbs 12:19 Truth's lips will be established forever, but a lying
tongue is only momentary. (Root in WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/m/moment.htm - 29k

Unquenchable (5 Occurrences)
... sense of annihilation of the wicked. An unquenchable fire is not needed
for a momentary act of destruction. Even in the view of ...
/u/unquenchable.htm - 10k

Outweighs (3 Occurrences)
... 2 Corinthians 4:17 for the momentary light matter of our tribulation, more and more
exceedingly an age-during weight of glory doth work out for us -- (See NIV). ...
/o/outweighs.htm - 7k

Glance (5 Occurrences)
... aside. Your arrow hath glanced. 7. (vi) To look with a sudden, rapid cast
of the eye; to snatch a momentary or hasty view. 8. (vi ...
/g/glance.htm - 8k

Transient (3 Occurrences)
... transitory; as, transient pleasure. 2. (a.) Hasty; momentary; imperfect; brief;
as, a transient view of a landscape. 3. (a.) Staying for ...
/t/transient.htm - 7k

Truth's (3 Occurrences)
... sake. (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS). Proverbs 12:19 Truth's lips will be established
forever, but a lying tongue is only momentary. (WEB). ...
/t/truth's.htm - 7k

Dream (82 Occurrences)
... as occurs in dreams, only fragmentary ideas or loosely connected trains of thought
occur, and if, as frequently happens, there is momentary connection, but ...
/d/dream.htm - 47k

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